Earlier this summer, as the pandemic continued and summer plans were canceled, my children (ages 9 and 6), entered into a team project–building Manchester United’s stadium, out of Legos. This kit was designed for ages 16+ and included nearly 4,000 pieces. They saved their own money, so my husband and I needed to be supportive. Much to my surprise, their construction month was a lesson in group dynamics and management.

Reflecting on my twenty-year career, I’m surprised to notice that “stuck in the middle” remains a common theme and especially at this moment as we face a global pandemic. For years I served in “middle management” with a robust team of colleagues in the field and a senior team above us.